The 5 Azores Island-Hopping Trips That Earn Their Price

1.Sao Jorge Castle Skip-the-Line Ticket with Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,191 reviews · 1 day · from $37Our pick

Meet an English-speaking host by the São Jorge ticket office for a 15-minute introduction, then enter with your skip-the-line ticket and explore at your own pace. Guides such as João, Fatima, and Carla have led engaging tours covering Moorish Lisbon, castle design, Saint George, and Portugal’s early story. Allow about two hours for the castle and battlements.

“It’s very important if you book this (because i didnt find it when booking) is that they do not allow cars to go to the drop off point! If you go by uber or taxi prepare for a 10 min walk ip to meeting point. The castle itself once you’re there is a great experience! The views are spectacular and the guide was very informative and engaging. It is all outdoors.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Whale Watching Experience from Lajes

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 492 reviews · from $68Top rated

From Lajes do Pico, you’ll ride a fast zodiac with marine biologist guides such as Nadja, Nadia, or Lynn, depending on the day. Expect a short briefing, about 2 hours 45 minutes at sea, and a careful search for sperm whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. The crew keeps a respectful distance and provides rain gear when needed.

“Highly recommended! Awesome boat, we saw 4 types of dolphins, sea turtles and sperm whales. The guide knew everything there is to know about marine life, since these people are marine bioligists who also do research. Long story short; if you are looking for the right people to do a whale watching tour with; pick these.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Azores Whale & Dolphin Watching on Zodiac Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 408 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $53

Set out from Lajes do Pico with a Portuguese- or English-speaking guide and skipper. After a safety briefing, ride a Zodiac along Pico’s coast while watching for more than 25 cetacean species, turtles, and seabirds. Waterproof tops, life vests, insurance, and a small welcome refreshment are included.

“So plenty of dolphins and Whales. The guides were friendly and informative.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Algar do Carvão Lava Caves Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 305 reviews · 3 - 3.5 hours · from $53

Ride from your Terceira accommodation into the Guilherme Moniz volcano area with guides such as Bernardo, Dora, Carolina, or Antonio. Expect Algar do Carvão when open, Furnas do Enxofre, Gruta do Natal, or a restricted lava tube during the closure. Cave tickets cost extra.

“We had an amazing time, the guide Bernardo took a lot of time with us and also told us a lot about the island and the people of Terceira in general. The Cave exploration war quite a special experience. We can only recommend the tour!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Terceira Island Full-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 291 reviews · 8 hours · from $102

Travel around Terceira in a van with a guide such as Rafaela, Elizabeth, Elisabete, or Honorio. Visit Monte Brasil, Praia da Vitória, Serra do Cume, Biscoitos, and Algar do Carvão or Gruta do Natal, then share a traditional lunch featuring Alcatra beef stew. Groups are limited to eight.

“Very interesting tour! We visited a lot of wonderful places, very convenient pick up, very delicious lunch! Thank you Elisabete for such a comfortable trip! Highly recommended!”

Check availability →Read our full review